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Home-improvement projects often include replacing a tiled-in kitchen sink. Tiled-in sinks, also known as under-mount sinks, install at the underside of the countertop and quarter-round tiles trim the edges of the opening in the countertop. Unlike top-set sinks that have holes for faucets, typical tiled-in sinks are independent of a faucet fixture. As a do-it-yourself enthusiast with basic skills, you can save the cost of a professional by replacing a tiled-in kitchen sink. After the new sink is installed, a contractor repairs the tile and installs the sink accessories, drain assembly and the faucet.

Removing the Sink

1

Apply strips of masking tape on the tile countertop at the outer edges of the quarter-round tile at all sides of the sink. Cut the bead of sealant where the lower edges of the quarter-round meet the rim of the sink, using a utility knife.

2

Put on safety glasses. Detach and remove the quarter-round tiles using a cold chisel and hammer. To do this, position the tip of the chisel in the grout joint between a quarter-round and the adjacent tile at the countertop, and strike the handle of the chisel with the hammer. Discard the individual pieces of quarter-round as you go.

3

Remove any residual mortar where the quarter-round was removed, using the chisel and hammer. Move to the underside of the sink.

4

Unscrew the ring-nuts at the upper and lower ends of the P-trap drain assembly, using an adjustable wrench. Pull off the trap and set it aside. Skip this step if the P-trap has already been removed.

5

Loosen the machine bolts on each of the under-mount sink clips that secure the rim of the sink at the underside of the countertop, using a screwdriver or nut driver. Stabilize the underside of the sink with one hand and detach the clips from the rails at the sink's rim. Remove the sink and discard the clips.

Installing the New Sink

1

Attach a new sink clip loosely at the underside of the counter at each side of the opening for the sink. To do this, position a clip with the head of the machine bolt pointing down, and screw the upper end of the bolt into the threaded insert where an old clip was removed. Swivel the outer ends of the clips away from the sides of the opening in the countertop.

2

Inspect the rim of the new sink for an arrow that points outward or the word "Front." Alternatively, the sink can install with either of the longer sides of the rim at the front or back. Work from below the countertop and fit the rim of the sink against the underside of the countertop.

3

Adjust the sink from side to side, as necessary, to swivel the clips at each side under the rim. Partially tighten the bolts on each clip to hold the sink in place.

4

Work from above and align the front, back and sides of the sink uniformly at the edges of the opening in the countertop.

5

Work from below and tighten the bolts on the sink clips at each side. Install additional clips at the remaining threaded inserts where the old clips were removed. Swivel the clips under the rim and tighten each bolt securely.

Things You Will Need

Masking tape

Utility knife

Safety glasses

Cold chisel

Hammer

Adjustable pliers

Screwdriver or nut driver

Under-mount sink clips

Tips

In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a garbage disposal or disconnect the drain hose from a dishwasher. If necessary, enlist an electrician to disconnect the electrical wiring for a disposal. Loosen a hose clamp to detach a drain hose from the nozzle on the side of the disposal. Remove a disposal by loosening the attachment ring at the underside of the sink.

As an added measure, apply a uniform bead of silicone sealant on the upper face of the rim before attaching the sink at the underside of the countertop.

Ask the contractor or tile installer to seal the lower edges of the new quarter-round tiles with silicone sealer that matches the color of a white or beige sink. Typically, clear sealant is used with stainless-steel sinks.

About the Author

William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. He studied architecture at Taft Junior College.